Apparatus and Method for the Compact Support and Storage of Hanging Items

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a rack for hanging items for drying and/or storage. The apparatus includes a main support post, a plurality of slip-T joints and a plurality of support arms. The support arms attach to the main support post through the slip-T joints, which allow the support arms to rotate about the main support post axis. The main support attaches to a substantially vertical surface through an upper support and a lower support that is longer than the upper, such that the support arms are capable of lying parallel to the vertical surface with an item hanging thereon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/776,165, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/601,443, filed on Aug. 31, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/561,183, filed on Sep. 16, 2009, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,771, and which claimed priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/192,273, filed on Sep. 17, 2008, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to storage systems and, more specifically, to storage racks for the compact storage of hanging items.

2. Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

A typical closed foam pool float design includes a pillow formed by a loop in the foam material. Such floats are often difficult to store and cause clutter near pools, in garages, or on boats. Moreover, due to the wet nature of the environment in which they are used, merely stacking such floats on a pool deck, garage floor, or boat deck or compartment leads to mildew, discoloration, and shortened useful life. This applies as well to almost all other items used in and around a pool or water, including towels, gear bags, and the like.

Hanging racks having moveable support arms exist, but are deficient in the manner in which the hanging items are maintained. When the aforementioned items are hung thereon, the thickness of the hanging items, the loops that are formed over the support arms, and the vertical nature of the rack results in distortion of the items and protrusion of the arms/items from the wall against which such racks are mounted. This distortion of the item during drying can create a permanent disfiguration of the item that reduces its usefulness. This protrusion of the arms/items defeats the intended goal of such racks providing a compact, efficient means for storage. The instant invention addresses these deficiencies and others, as will become readily apparent following a detailed reading and thorough understanding of the disclosure provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein includes an apparatus for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the apparatus comprising: an upright axial support post attached to a vertical surface such that the attachment creates an angle between the upright axial support post and the vertical surface; and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface. Additional embodiments are envisioned and include additional elements as further described and claimed herein.

The invention herein also includes an apparatus for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of support arms, each arm attached to an upright axial support post, the axial support post rigidly affixed to a vertical surface by at least an upper support and a lower support, wherein the lower support includes a length different than that of the upper support thereby creating an angle between the upright axial support post and the vertical surface, and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface. Additional embodiments are envisioned and include additional elements as further described and claimed herein.

The invention herein also includes a method for providing for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the method steps comprising: providing an upright axial support post and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof; and attaching the upright axial support post to a vertical surface using at least an upper support and a lower support, each support joining the respective end of the upright axial support post to the vertical surface at an attachment point such that the upright axial support post forms an angle with the vertical surface, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface. Additional embodiments are envisioned and include additional elements as further described and claimed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a view of a first embodiment of a hanging rack installed on a vertical surface of a structure near a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 depicts a view of the previous embodiment with a pool float hanging therefrom;

FIG. 3 depicts another embodiment of a hanging rack;

FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of a hanging rack;

FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of the previous hanging rack embodiment;

FIG. 6 depicts a view of the first hanging rack embodiment in use with additional hanging items, namely, towels; and

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the embodiment highlighting its arrangement with respect to a vertical surface against which it is mounted.

The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, if and when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a view of an embodiment of a hanging rack (10) according to the invention disclosed herein, with pool floats (12) hanging thereon, and with the hanging rack assembly (10) attached to the wall of a structure (14) near a swimming pool (16). This embodiment of the float rack (10) has three arms (18), each appropriately sized to support a float (12) as shown. Although each of the arms is substantially identical in length, other embodiments may utilize support arms (18) of differing length to support items of different widths.

As depicted, the hanging rack (10) is mounted to an outside wall of building (14) in the figure shown, but may also be mounted on any suitable vertical surface. For example, the hanging rack may be attached to a wall in a garage or storage area. The floats (12) that are depicted are common closed cell foam floats including a loop that forms a headrest (20) that supports a user's head. The support arms (18) are sized to fit within the headrest (20) of the float (12).

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the hanging rack (10) embodiment, with a single pool float (12) hanging by its headrest (20) on a support arm (18). In this embodiment the support arm (18) includes a ribbed outer surface (22), whereas in other embodiments the support arm may include a smooth or even a wire mesh sieve-like outer surface. This ribbing (22) provides improved aesthetics, and allows for easy sliding of headrest (20) over the support arm (18). The support arm (18) also has an end cap (24) to seal the arm (18) and to provide for a smooth end to facilitate sliding thereon of the hanging item. The support arms (18) in this embodiment are also attached to slip-T members (26), which rotate about an upright axial support post (28). This main support post (28) includes an upper end (30) and a lower end (32), each including an end cap (24).

Near the upper end (30) of the main axial support post (28) is a fixed-T member (34) that is attached to an upper support (36). A surface mount member (38) is further connected to the upper support (36) opposite the fixed-T (34) end. Near the lower end (32) of the main support post (28) is another fixed-T member (34) attached to a lower support (40). Another surface mount member (38) is connected to the lower support (40) opposite the fixed-T (34) end. Screws (42) are inserted in the main support post (28) adjacent to the slip-T members (26) to prevent unwanted axial movement along the main support post (28), while still allowing rotation of the slip-T members (26) about the axis of the main support post (28).

In this embodiment the lower support (40) is slightly longer than the upper support (36) to allow the support arms (18) to be aligned on one side of the main support post (28) when multiple floats (12) are hanging thereon. Referring once more to FIG. 1, wherein the hanging rack is depicted with three support arms (18) and three floats (12) hanging therefrom, it can be seen that each of the floats (12) has a thickness. Because of this thickness, the angle of the main support post (28) relative the wall (14) becomes important because it allows, among other things, the hanging items to lay flat against the wall (14) stacked one atop the other, or even “nested” in a compact fashion. Such nesting is clearly envisioned with hanging items including pool floats with headrests as depicted.

As depicted, the float hanging on the topmost support arm is capable of lying directly against the wall (14). Next, the float hanging on the middle support arm is capable of lying directly against the topmost supported float when the middle support arm is rotated such that the support arm's axis is parallel with the wall (14). Finally, the float on the lowermost support arm is, likewise, capable of lying directly against the middle supported float when the lowermost support arm is rotated such that the axis is parallel with the wall. If the main support (28) were not angled relative the wall (14), the thickness of each underlying float would cause the arm of the above floats to rotate axially away from the wall (14), thereby causing the hanging floats to swing outwards and protrude from the wall (14). In another embodiment, the upper support (36) is slightly longer than the lower support (40) causing the lower end of the main support to be closer to the vertical surface than the upper end. This configuration allows for comparable stacking of the hanging items as the previous embodiment, but may not be optimal due to the effect of the pool float (12) headrest (20) on the stacked items beneath. In situations in which towels are draped and stored, this effect is less noticeable.

FIG. 3 is a view of an embodiment of the hanging rack with a pool float (12) item and with twice as many support arms (18) as in the previous embodiment. The main support post (28) is elongated to allow for the positioning of two slip-T members (26) between the fixed-T member (34) and the upper end (30) of the main support post (28). A single screw (42) in this embodiment is sufficient to prevent unwanted axial movement as the slip-T members (26) rotate against each other with little interference. Likewise, two slip-T members (26) are positioned between the fixed-T member (34) and the lower end (32) of the main support post (28). Similarly two slip-T members (26) are positioned near the middle of the main support post (28) between the fixed-T members (34). As with the previous embodiment, the lower support (40) is longer than upper support (36) to allow three arms (18) to be aligned on each side of the main support post (28), facilitating the hanging of six floats (12) in total [three lying flat against the wall to which the rack (10) is mounted, on both sides of the main support (28)]. In this embodiment having three support posts (18) on opposite sides of the main support post (28), balance is given to the main support post (28) by the more even distribution of the hanging items.

FIG. 4 is a view of another embodiment of a hanging rack (10) with two floats (12) hanging by their respective headrests (20). In this embodiment the slip-T members (26) are arranged along a main support post (28) between fixed-T members (34). The uppermost arm (18) is similar to those discussed in previous embodiments. The three lower support arms (18) each have an elbow member (44) affixed to the arm (18) and a spacing member (46, 48, and 50) between the elbows (44) and the respective slip-T members (26). The uppermost spacing element (46) is shorter than the immediately lower spacing element (48), which is in turn shorter than the lowest spacing element (50). Thus the spacing elements (46, 48, and 50) serve to stagger the support arms (18) and to provide space for hanging floats (12) such that they may lie flat against one another against the wall to which the rack (10) is mounted. In this configuration the upper support (36) and the lower support (40) may be the same length, thereby causing the main support post (28) axis is parallel to the wall. FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment, more clearly depicting the different lengths of the spacing elements (46, 48, and 50), and the resultant spacing of the support arms (18).

FIG. 6 depicts a view of the first hanging rack embodiment in use with additional hanging items. As shown, the support arms (18) may also be used to hang and store items including, but not limited to, beach or poolside towels (54), hanging gear bags, outdoor accessory covers, furniture pads, mattress floats, lounge pillows, or like objects utilizing hanging straps or being capable of draping over a support arm, or any combination thereof. FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the embodiment highlighting its arrangement with respect to a vertical surface (14) against which it is mounted. This figure highlights the angle established by the apparatus to allow the hanging items to lay flat, one against another, and flat against the wall despite the item thickness. As depicted, the main support post (28) is angled with respect to the wall by an upper support and a longer lower support. Because of this angle, each hanging item (54) draped over a support arm (18) is allowed to hang relative one another in a compact fashion with essentially no distortion caused by successively lower support arms (18). In another embodiment the upper support, the lower support, or both upper and lower supports are adjustable to allow the angle of the main support (28) to be changed depending on the shape and thickness of the items hanging on the support arms (28).

Although it has been discussed herein multiple embodiments utilizing slip-T members (26) attaching support arms (18) to the main support post (28), additional embodiments may combine slip-T members with fixed-T members, the fixed-T members maintaining the respective support arm in a fixed position along the main support post (28) axis of rotation. Thus, for example, an embodiment may utilize one or more fixed-T members to place support arms in a fixed position on the same or opposing sides of the main support post, and also allow slip-T members in conjunction such that one or more support arms (18) may rotate about the axis of rotation of the main support post (28). In yet another embodiment, it is possible to use nothing but fixed-T members such that all of the support arms (18) are maintained in a fixed position along the main support post (28) axis of rotation with the axis of all support arms (18) substantially parallel to the vertical surface to which the main support post (28) is mounted.

All of the above embodiments, or parts thereof, may be made of polymer to prevent corrosion of the apparatus. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a suitable material for the embodiments disclosed, while furniture grade PVC is useful where a thicker wall and supporting strength is desired. It is possible to obtain furniture grade PVC with a colorant treatment throughout the material to provide a more pleasant appearance and protection from fading, cracking, and brittleness. Where screws (40) or other hardware are required, such hardware may preferably be made of stainless steel or coated metal to provide a non-corrosive alternative of sufficient strength.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The terms “include” and “compromise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced therein. Further, the recitation of method steps does not denote a particular sequence for execution of the steps. Such method steps may therefore be performed in a sequence other than that recited unless the particular claim expressly states otherwise. 

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the apparatus comprising: an upright axial support post attached to a vertical surface such that the attachment creates an angle between the upright axial support post and the vertical surface; and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: at least one upper support and one lower support, each support joining the respective end of the upright axial support post to the vertical surface at an attachment point, wherein the lower support is longer than the upper support.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: at least one upper support and one lower support, each support joining the respective end of the upright axial support post to the vertical surface at an attachment point, wherein the upper support, the lower support, or the upper and lower supports are adjustable.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support arms are grouped along the upright axial support post such that a plurality of hanging items may be supported on opposite sides of the upright axial support.
 5. An apparatus for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of support arms, each arm attached to an upright axial support post, the axial support post rigidly affixed to a vertical surface by at least an upper support and a lower support, wherein the lower support includes a length different than that of the upper support thereby creating an angle between the upright axial support post and the vertical surface, and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the lower support is longer than the upper support.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the upper support, the lower support, or the upper and lower supports are adjustable.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the support arms are grouped such that a plurality of hanging items may be supported on opposite sides of the upright axial support such that each grouping of hanging items is capable of stacking against the vertical surface with each support arm substantially parallel with the vertical surface.
 9. A method for providing for the compact support and storage of hanging items, the method steps comprising: providing an upright axial support post and a plurality of support arms including a first support arm and a second support arm, each support arm rotatably attached to the axial support post, wherein each support arm is substantially perpendicularly oriented to the axial support post and independently rotatable with respect to the axis thereof; and attaching the upright axial support post to a vertical surface using at least an upper support and a lower support, each support joining the respective end of the upright axial support post to the vertical surface at an attachment point such that the upright axial support post forms an angle with the vertical surface, wherein the angle between the upright support post and the vertical surface is chosen such that a first hanging item draped over the first support arm and a second hanging item draped over the second support arm each lay substantially parallel to one another and with the vertical surface in a compact stacked fashion and substantially without distortion of the hanging items when the first and second support arms are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface.
 10. The method of claim 9, the method steps further comprising: utilizing the plurality of support arms to support a plurality of hanging items, with each hanging item draped over a single support arm thereby forming two opposing groupings of hanging items on opposite sides of the upright axial support post such that each grouping of the plurality of hanging items on the left and right sides form a respective stack against the vertical surface with each support arm rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface.
 11. The method of claim 9, the method steps further comprising: utilizing the plurality of support arms to support a plurality of disparate hanging items, with each hanging item draped over a single support arm thereby forming two opposing groupings of hanging items on opposite sides of the upright axial support post such that each grouping of the plurality of hanging items on the left and right sides form a respective stack against the vertical surface with each support arm rotated to a position substantially parallel to the vertical surface.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein each support arms allows for an item hanging therefrom to be slid from the respective support arm off of the end opposite that of the upright axial support post.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one support arm is fixed with respect to the axial support post axis.
 14. The method of claim 9, the method steps further comprising: adjusting the upper support, the lower support, or the upper and lower supports to vary the angle according to the thickness of items hanging from the support arms. 